April 25, 2025: In light of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 26 civilians dead, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called for a complete ban on the release of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s much-anticipated Bollywood film Abir Gulaal in India. This call is part of a broader stance on the non-cooperation policy with Pakistani talent in the Indian entertainment industry, especially in the aftermath of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, has sparked nationwide outrage. As part of the response to the tragic incident, FWICE issued an official notice to all broadcasters, exhibitors, and digital platforms, urging them to halt the film’s release across all mediums, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Hotstar, MX Player, and Zee. The Federation has also extended its gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for their swift support in backing the ban.
FWICE, which represents a wide spectrum of workers, technicians, and artists from the Indian film industry, has long upheld a strict policy prohibiting collaboration with Pakistani artists. This decision extends from the 2019 Pulwama attack, which led to the loss of 40 CRPF personnel, after which the Federation enforced a blanket ban on Pakistani talent, including actors, musicians, and technicians.
The ban on Abir Gulaal, which was set to release on May 9, 2025, marks Fawad Khan’s highly anticipated comeback to Bollywood after nearly a nine-year hiatus. Khan, who is a Pakistani national, had been previously banned from working in India after the 2016 Uri attack, where 19 Indian soldiers lost their lives. His last Bollywood appearance was in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).
Sources from the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting have confirmed that the film will not be permitted for screening in India. In a statement, the Federation reiterated its call for a united stance against terrorism, asserting that the Indian film industry must reflect the sentiment of the nation in such challenging times.
The call for a ban has stirred strong emotions and widespread condemnation following the Pahalgam attack. Bollywood celebrities have expressed their sorrow and anger over the attack, while also voicing their support for the Federation’s stance.
As part of the aftermath of the Pahalgam tragedy, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, accompanied by senior Indian Army officials, has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice while discussing counterterrorism measures to prevent further violence.
The latest demand to stop the release of Abir Gulaal serves as a continuing effort to uphold national unity and security, underscoring the broader sentiment across the country regarding cross-border terrorism and its impact on cultural collaboration.